Iranian, American researchers produce nano-cellulose drug carriers

Nano-cellulose drug carriers were produced by Iranian researchers from Islamic Azad University in association with their colleagues from Northern Carolina University of the US in a bid to fight various types of illness-causing bacteria such as bacteria that are resistant against antiseptics. "Natural nanopolymers, among which nano-cellulose is one of the most important ones, attracted the attention of researchers about 10 years ago. Nano-cellulose consists of crystalline and biological particles and they can be used as the base material in many industries due to their ability of surface modification," Dr. Hassan Sadeqifar, member of the Scientific Board of Islamic Azad University, told the INIC. Studying at Northern Carolina State University in the United States at post-doctorate level in the field of natural nanomaterials, Sadeqifar has carried out research aiming at presenting a new method for the production of cellulose nanoparticles from cellulose fibers and to carry out chemical modification on the surface of such particles in order to be used in antibacterial and medical purposes. "Cellulose nanoparticles are chemically neutral but biologically degradable and compatible with human's body. Therefore, in addition to compatibility with human body's tissues, such materials degrade gradually when they are used as the base material in the production of antiseptics or drug carriers," Sadeqifar continued. Cellulose nanoparticles have applications in numerous industries such as polymer, food, nano-electronics, paper fabrication, filters for chemical materials and gases neutralization, textile, and so forth. However, their application in medical purposes and drug carriers was the main purpose of this study.